Sunday, 30 November 2014

Although I am notoriously inconsistent with my posting patterns, there is always a part of my brain consumed with what I'll blog next. Lately though, my brain has become so filled with uni stuff that blogging has been pushed aside. In fact, I recently committed the ultimate rookie blogger mistake- I used a new eyeshadow palette before I'd photographed it. Please don't judge too harshly. However, here I am, at 12:06am gravitating back to my little old blog to share some gems I've been admiring so longingly lately. Its difficult to think about the fact I have exams in a fortnight when I feel soo Christmassy and I want to think of what presents to buy and what movies to watch and how long I can get away with lying down under a big pile of blankets without moving for.

Of course at this time of year gift guide posts are everywhere. They're helpful if you don't have a clue what to get someone, they let you see whats out there at the moment and they're a good little hint hint if you have your eye on something. I see 'top picks' posts as a kind of all year round gift guide which is why I chose that title for this post- cos the items below are certainly not just for Christmas.

When I came recently came across Anjolee.com I spent so long browsing through their collection. It wasn't the first time I've been known to trawl through fine jewellery websites- after watching Bride Wars I spent a whole evening goggling at Tiffany's collections. Anjolee.com comes with an added bonus though, because its the only jewellery website that lets you customize any item to your exact preferences, taste and budget. Not too shabby eh? I started on the hoop earrings page and was enticed from there. Prepare to swoon.

While I'm a lover of the odd statement necklace or watch, the jewellery I wear most often is a couple of simple staples of fine jewellery. You'll rarely see me without my necklace or studs (you can check the photo archives). My favourite metal is white gold (which is one of the reasons the studs are included above) and this is for a few reasons: 1. It looks like silver 2. It has the quality of yellow gold 3. It is referred to in Mean Girls. What's not to like? Each of these items look so beautiful and delicate. You don't need me to rant on about why each one is perfect and I need it in my life as you probably get it just by seeing them yourself.

If you're looking for something really special to buy as a present this Christmas, or you just fancy treating yourself, I'd recommend you pop over to Anjolee.com and have a browse.

Saturday, 15 November 2014

It has been a few months since I got my hands on the Veil Cover Cream Demonstration Kit* and the reason this review has been so long in the making is that I've never tried a product like it so had to learn how best to use it and really put it to the test. The kit contains 20 different shades of the cover cream and a translucent setting powder. If you've never heard of Veil before- you need only Google it and proceed to sit in awe at the before and after shots.

The shades I found to work best for my skin tone were natural medium and medium, although I did delve into some of the scarier shades like yellow and green for colour correction. I was pleasantly surprised with the sample size of each shade because you need only the tiniest amount of product per application so I can see even the Demonstration Kit lasting a really long time. The product has an unusual texture- its solid in the pot but turns into a thick cream on fingertips. The heavy duty consistency means that it camouflages imperfections but also blends extremely well into the skin really nicely and feels light. Other products such as blush also apply well on top. It smells slightly waxy but its not unpleasant or off-putting.

Veil Cover Cream is a product that falls out of the typical makeup categories. It is neither a foundation or a concealer; it can work as both simultaneously and either or. I've used it on top of my foundation in place of my usual Collection concealer and it did the job nicely. For best effects though, I think Veil Cover Cream should be applied as as a complete base in itself. Most effective application is with fingertips in a patting manner and then blending the edges with a really soft brush such as the Real Techniques Buffing Brush.

Before I go on to sing this product's praises finish-wise, I'll give a quick run down of a couple of negatives I encountered. Firstly, I didn't get on too well with the translucent powder because it is loose and I had trouble getting the right amount on my brush. I instead opted for my Rimmel translucent pressed powder and that mattified perfectly well. Secondly, I didn't think it was as good at covering fresh blemishes as it was in covering marks and scarring.

With regard to finish, this product really surpassed my expectations. While the scarring I have is mildish and now mostly confined to one cheek, I regard this cream as an absolute miracle worker in covering my red marks. Not only does it last the whole day, but it doesn't become greasy or crease around the eyelids; quite a feat for my skin. The versatility of this product is just so impressive: it can be used for an all out flawless makeup look, a quick fix for popping to the shops, a crazy Halloween look or, according to their website, tattoo covering. This is the most airbrush-esque, camouflaging product I've ever come across. If you have any kind of old acne scars or discolouration I would 100% recommend you try this.

Monday, 10 November 2014

I think every beauty blogger/ makeup lover is partial to a
bit of Benefit. From their unique packaging to their quirky names and overall
quality, they’re definitely a popular high end brand. Their beauty kits are an
especially big hit- and for good reason. You get to try out a selection of
minis for the price you would pay for one full size product. And in all
fairness- the minis aren’t even that mini- you more than enough to give the
product a good test run.

The products come in a handy little box (magnetic- so it can
stand upright on a shelf without things falling out), some ‘Tips and Tricks’
cards and even a large mirror (which I have actually just this second discovered- I’ve been missing out all this
time!) This also means that the kit is
perfect for travelling.

Watt’s Up is one of the standout products of this kit. It is
so creamy and silky. It has become my second favourite highlighter (after MAC
MSF in Soft & Gentle). The only gripe I have is that if you apply a little too much, it visibly ‘sits’ on the skin rather than sinking in.

Hoola bronzer is another ultimate favourite of mine. I might
cry when this runs out. Its the best product I’ve found for contour. You can
apply it really subtly or go all out. The Hoola lip gloss isn’t such a winner.
It is nice enough but not being a fan of lip glosses, I wasn’t blown away. It also doesn't give much colour pay off on
my lips because they’re quite a deep pink. It does smell really good though.

I never had much drive to try Benefit eye shadows as there
isn’t a ton of hype surrounding them so I was very pleasantly surprised with
Bikini-tini and Thanks a Latte (loving the names also). The cream eye shadow is
a beautiful base which definitely prevents creasing
(major thumbs up from me and my oily eyelids). It is similar in colour to Watt’s
Up but lighter and pinker and the formula isn’t as dense but can be built up.
The powder eye shadow is also impressive: well pigmented, has a beautiful gold
base shimmer and a long wear time.

Finally, They’re Real Mascara-which I posted a rave review
of last year but have since had mixed feelings towards. Yes, it volumizes,
lengthens and frames the eyes exceptionally well but on me, it smudges and is
such a pain to remove. I’ve found Lancome Bi-facil or Bioderma are the only
things that can get it off without residue/ too much hassle.

I’ve done a little FOTD to show you what the products look
like on. On the left I’m just wearing my usual base and on the right I’ve used
all the products from the kit.

While I don’t solely rely on all these products on a day to
day basis, they’re certainly lovely and the kit gives good value for money. It
has allowed me to discover brilliant products I wouldn’t have otherwise tried
and the quality of each product is of a high standard.

Have you tried any of these? Which Benefit Kit
would you recommend I try next?